Key Highlights
- NIO (NIO) stock surged more than 7% in Hong Kong trading following CEO William Li’s confirmation of 40–50% delivery growth expectations for 2026
- The third-generation ES8 achieved 16,255 retail deliveries in March, maintaining its leadership position in the premium 400,000+ yuan vehicle segment for the fourth consecutive month
- Pre-orders opened for the flagship ES9 SUV starting at 528,000 yuan — representing a 31% discount compared to the ET9 sedan while offering comparable technology
- Annual 2025 revenue surged 33% year-over-year to 87.49 billion yuan, while net losses contracted to 15.57 billion yuan from 22.66 billion yuan previously
- BOC International upgraded its NIO US stock price target to $14 while maintaining a “Buy” recommendation
Shares of NIO (NIO) stock rallied over 7% during Monday’s Hong Kong trading session, extending recent gains fueled by positive operational developments. CEO William Li’s remarks at the China EV 100 forum in Beijing over the weekend provided fresh catalysts for investor optimism.
During discussions at the Beijing event, Li outlined that NIO has transitioned into its “third development phase” beginning in the latter half of last year. He reinforced delivery growth projections of 40% to 50% for 2026, citing the company’s first-quarter achievements as validation of this trajectory.
With NIO reporting a 98.3% year-over-year surge in Q1 deliveries, the CEO’s growth projections carry substantial credibility.
The redesigned ES8 demonstrated exceptional performance in March, achieving 16,255 retail units sold. This milestone marked the model’s fourth straight month dominating the ultra-premium segment priced above 400,000 yuan.
Reaching 90,000 total deliveries within just 195 days, the ES8 maintained a weekly average exceeding 3,000 units. This represents a dramatic transformation from March 2025, when the model managed only 514 deliveries. The reversal has been remarkably swift.
New ES9 Flagship Boosts Growth Prospects
NIO initiated pre-order sales for its premium ES9 SUV last Thursday, setting the entry price at 528,000 yuan. This positions the vehicle 31% below the ET9 sedan despite incorporating similar technological features.
The pricing approach appears strategic — NIO aims to replicate the ES8’s success story within an even more elevated market segment. The ES9’s official debut is scheduled for late May, with customer deliveries commencing June 1.
BOC International projects consistent ES9 monthly deliveries ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 units. The investment bank anticipates combined ES8 and ES9 monthly volume sustaining levels above 10,000 units, with potential for additional expansion.
Financial Performance Supports Growth Narrative
NIO’s complete fiscal 2025 results, released Friday in Hong Kong, demonstrated revenue climbing 33% year-over-year to reach 87.49 billion yuan. Attributed losses improved significantly to 15.57 billion yuan, compared with 22.66 billion yuan in the 2024 fiscal year.
Per-share losses declined to 6.85 yuan versus the previous year’s 11.03 yuan.
BOC International increased its 2026 and 2027 revenue projections for NIO by 3% to 5%, reflecting the enhanced sales trajectory.
The firm elevated its US stock valuation target to $14, preserving its “Buy” stance. Analysts highlighted NIO’s accelerating growth, improving cash flow visibility, and what they characterized as an operational “inflection point.”
NIO’s US-traded shares advanced an additional 2% during Monday’s pre-market activity, reaching $6.63.
Xpeng climbed 1.72% while Li Auto advanced 0.88% in concurrent Hong Kong trading. BYD posted gains of 4.66%.
